Being a foster mom comes with its unique challenges, and one of them is helping children navigate the emotional roller coaster that accompanies inconsistent visits with their biological family. These visits, while crucial for maintaining connections, can also lead to increased emotions and behaviors in kids. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies and support for foster moms who are struggling with their children’s reactions to these visits.

Validate Their Feelings:

Recognize that it’s normal for children to experience a wide range of emotions during and after visits with their biological family. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that you’re there to support them through this process. Provide a safe space for them to express their emotions openly and without judgment.

Maintain Open Communication:

Regularly communicate with the kids in your care about their visits with their biological family. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their concerns, thoughts, and feelings. This helps them feel heard and understood, fostering a sense of trust and security.

Establish Predictable Routines:

Inconsistent visits can disrupt a child’s sense of stability and routine. Create predictable schedules and routines at home to provide a sense of stability and security. Consistent mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and designated family activities can help foster a sense of safety and normalcy for your kids.

Provide Emotional Support:

Offer extra emotional support during times of increased emotions and behaviors. Engage in calming activities such as reading together, practicing deep breathing exercises, or engaging in creative outlets like drawing or journaling. Encourage self-expression and provide a safe outlet for them to process their feelings.

Collaborate with the Biological Family:

Establish open and respectful communication with the biological family, if possible and appropriate. Collaborate on visitation schedules and share information about the child’s emotional well-being, behavioral patterns, and any challenges they may be facing. Working together as a team can help provide consistency and better support the child’s needs.

Seek Professional Guidance:

If you find yourself struggling to cope with your foster children’s increased emotions and behaviors, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Reach out to therapists, counselors, or support groups specializing in foster care to gain insights and strategies for navigating these challenges.

Take Care of Yourself:

Self-care is crucial for foster moms facing the emotional demands of supporting children through inconsistent visits. Prioritize your own well-being and engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or connecting with supportive friends, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

As a foster mom, supporting children through the emotional impact of inconsistent visits with their biological family can be challenging. By validating their feelings, maintaining open communication, establishing predictable routines, providing emotional support, collaborating with the biological family, seeking professional guidance, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate this complex journey with compassion and resilience. Remember, you are making a profound difference in the lives of your children by offering them love, stability, and understanding during their time in foster care.

If you’re a foster mom who is struggling in any area of foster care or just getting started on this rewarding journey, I highly recommend checking out my Foster Mama Guide. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide practical tips, advice, and support for foster moms navigating the challenges and joys of foster care. From managing behaviors to building positive relationships with biological families, the Foster Mama Guide covers a wide range of topics to help you on your foster care journey.

To access the Foster Mama Guide and gain valuable insights and strategies, click here. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There is a community of foster moms ready to support and uplift you.